EVENTS

AKTINA FM Honored With Street Co-Naming - AKTINA FM Way!

As of October 26, 2018, AKTINA FM has its own Street in Astoria, New York known as, "AKTINA FM Way!" The historic street co-naming ceremony was officiated by Council Member Costa Constantides in the presence of other local elected officials, dignitaries, AKTINA FM volunteers and AKTINA FM fans and supporters at the corner of 27th Street and 23rd Avenue in Astoria, Queens. Council Member Constantinides who represents the 22nd District in Queens, New York, where AKTINA FM was founded and operates, initiated the legislation for this street co-naming which was approved by the New York City Council on July 29, 2018 when Local Law 2018/139 was enacted. Watch video of the unveiling ceremony.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Council Member Costantinides offered words of praise to AKTINA FM and to Elena Maroulleti, founder and Executive Producer/host stressing that for a quarter of a century this radio show has made a great impact upon Greek Americans and Americans alike with its informative and culturally oriented programs dedicated to the rich cultures of Cyprus and Greece. State Senator Michael Gianaris, Assembly Member Aravella Simotas, Aristos Constantine, Trade Commissioner of Cyprus in New York and Cleanthis Bakalis, President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York also offered remarks and also highly praised the accomplishments of AKTINA FM. All speakers also referred to the exceptional devotion of Ms. Maroulleti who as they stressed "offers her professional services as a seasoned journalist for absolutely free and on a volunteer basis for the benefit of the Greek and Cypriot American community and of all New Yorkers." On her part, Ms. Maroulleti expressed her heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mr. Constantinides for honoring AKTINA FM on its 25th anniversary with the co-naming of the street where it was founded and continues to have its headquarters. She also thanked all of the elected officials, dignitaries, AKTINA FM volunteers and fans who were in attendance. "This is a historic day for us and for our community and I feel this way because not only we are the first Greek American Radio in the USA to be honored with a street co-naming, but also for the fact that this sign will always be here to remind all that through volunteerism and true dedication much can be accomplished. What is more important is that AKTINA FM is an integral part of Astoria, it was born right here on this Street, grew up here and continues to thrive in the heart of Astoria. Along with AKTINA FM many generations of Greek Americans and Americans alike also grew up listening to AKTINA FM. Several of these young people later joined AKTINA FM as Interns and volunteers," Ms. Maroulleti stressed.

A very special greeting message was also sent to AKTINA FM by the Foreign Minister of Cyprus Mr. Nicos Christodoulides which was read by Ms. Maroulleti. In this letter Mr. Christodoulides conveys his congratulations and praise and among other stresses that, "Through the ages, this pioneering bilingual public service outlet has become a powerful and invaluable link between the Diaspora on the one hand, and the homeland of Cyprus on the other hand....This celebration also carries a deeper meaning and significance that transcends time....We, in Cyprus, draw great strength and inspiration from your passion to preserve our history and culture and all their aspects far away from home for a quarter of a century now, and we warmly thank you for that."

"AKTINA" means, "light ray" and amazigly enough, as the ceremony started, a striking light ray shined over and covered the fall clouds above bringing true sunshine in the Astoria neighborhood.